The price of fast food has been a hot topic lately, and one burger chain consistently finds itself in the spotlight when it comes to cost: Five Guys. A recent viral social media post has once again ignited the debate, leaving many wondering, “Why Is Five Guys So Expensive?”
The Viral Receipt: $24 for One at Five Guys?
On March 1st, a user on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @WallStreetSilv shared an image of a Five Guys receipt that quickly spread across the platform. This single post garnered millions of views and sparked a fresh wave of discussion about the escalating prices at fast-food restaurants. The user captioned the image, sourced from Reddit, with a simple statement: “Five Guys prices are out of control,” and pointed out the seemingly high cost of $24 for a single person’s meal.
The receipt detailed a bacon cheeseburger priced at $12.49 (with only ketchup and mustard), a regular soda for $2.89, and a small fry costing $5.19. After taxes and a tip, the total bill reached $24.10. In a follow-up post, @WallStreetSilv elaborated, “guess I was expecting about $12 to $15 per person for Five Guys. $22 (without tip) just seems to cross a line. What is the right amount these days?”
Five Guys has not yet officially responded to requests for comment on this viral price discussion.
Public Reaction: Shock, Surprise, and Debate
The social media post triggered a significant response, with over 12,000 comments expressing a wide range of opinions. Many users resonated with the sentiment that fast food is becoming increasingly expensive. One X user commented, “fast food becoming a luxury meal is a sign of the times,” highlighting concerns about affordability.
However, not everyone found the price shocking. Another user pointed out regional price differences, stating, “HAH!! This would be cheap in California!” This highlights the variation in pricing based on location and local economic factors. Indeed, the price of a bacon cheeseburger at a Five Guys location in Culver City, California, is currently $14.39, confirming that prices can be even higher in certain areas.
Critics also weighed in, with one user arguing, “That’s not even factoring in how overrated they are. $10 should be able to get you a premium burger from a higher end place. Drink and fries plus $5.” This comment sparked a sarcastic reply questioning the user’s sense of current pricing, “What are things like back in 1990 where you apparently currently live?”
Beyond X, Reddit has become a significant platform for discussing Five Guys’ pricing. Users across various subreddits express feelings of shock, surprise, disappointment, and even mild anger regarding the cost of eating at the popular burger chain. The subreddit r/mildlyinfuriating, dedicated to minor annoyances, is filled with posts complaining about Five Guys’ prices, indicating a widespread concern among consumers.
The Rising Cost of a Five Guys Meal Over Time
To illustrate the increasing prices, one Reddit user documented the price changes of a simple cheeseburger with ketchup at their local Five Guys in Ann Arbor, Michigan, over a year. Their post on the r/AnnArbor subreddit revealed a notable price increase from $7.79 on February 25, 2021, to $10.79 just one year later. This real-world example underscores the tangible rise in Five Guys’ prices that customers are experiencing.
Reasons Behind the Price Tag: What Makes Five Guys Different?
While the prices may seem steep compared to other fast-food chains, several factors contribute to Five Guys’ higher cost. Unlike many competitors, Five Guys emphasizes fresh, never-frozen ingredients. This commitment to quality extends to their beef and other key components of their menu.
Furthermore, Five Guys offers a wide array of toppings at no additional charge. Customers can customize their burgers with numerous options without increasing the base price, providing significant value and personalization. The portions at Five Guys are also known to be generous, with larger burgers and fries compared to some other chains. Even their “little” burger is a single patty, which is comparable to a standard burger at other places.
Another contributing factor is the use of peanut oil for frying their fries. Peanut oil is more expensive than commonly used alternatives like soybean or canola oil, adding to the overall operational costs. These factors, combined with general inflation and rising food costs, contribute to the higher price point at Five Guys.
Comparing Prices: Five Guys vs. Competitors like McDonald’s
It’s undeniable that Five Guys is more expensive than many of its fast-food rivals. MoneyGeek reports that the average cost of a burger, fries, and soda at McDonald’s is around $6.19, while a similar order at Five Guys averages about $19.95. While McDonald’s prices increased by 11.5% between 2021 and 2022, Five Guys saw a slightly larger increase of 13.5% during the same period.
The rising prices across the fast-food sector have prompted some customers to reconsider eating out altogether. McDonald’s, for example, has acknowledged customer concerns and announced plans to focus on “affordable pricing” moving forward. Furthermore, beef inflation in 2023 pushed the average burger price to nearly $16, impacting costs across the entire industry.
Conclusion
While the viral receipt and online discussions highlight consumer concerns about Five Guys’ prices, understanding the factors behind those prices provides valuable context. Five Guys positions itself as a premium burger chain, emphasizing fresh ingredients, customization, and generous portions. While the cost may be higher, many customers are willing to pay for the perceived quality and experience. As fast-food prices continue to evolve, the debate surrounding value and affordability will likely remain a central point of discussion for consumers and the restaurant industry alike.
